New Mexico: Land of Enchantments.

Following the trail of time, we arrived for a week's stay in the enchanted lands known as, "New Mexico" (also known as Nuevo Mexico). Our wander lust eventually led us to the ancient city of Taos Pueblo. There, we met the past; a timeless culture that defies the laws of mortals and dances near the threshold of immortality. The Taos Pueblo people have been continuously inhabiting this land since the year 1,000 CE. The energy of all those ages envelopes you upon falling under the shadow of the buildings. And, if your senses are alert, you can hear the walls speak to you of wisdom that was nearly sacrificed upon the altar of "progress."

As I curiously explored the wandering alleyways, a sense of belonging and peace washed over me; almost as if I had returned to visit family after being lost in time. There was indeed an energy that felt reassuringly familiar in that isolated but vibrant mud-walled village. Vibrant visions, dreams and shamanic interaction have often reveled to me previous lives lived as a Native American.

The sacred nature of Taos Publo was so impressively all-encompassing that I removed my hat upon entering any of the dwellings; just as I would in any religious temple or shrine. It was spiritually refreshing to have the privilege of exploring a sacred refuge built with the purity and fertility of Mother Earth's own fertile ground. Their respect for Mother Nature is such that every building in their town is a monument to her. It is a simple but powerful tradition of living in accordance with Mother Nature, rather than against her. This kind of humility toward nature is even more precious today since modern humanity has foolishly squandered and exploited our Mother's gifts.

~The Green Man has Spoken~

Cops Admit Drug War Failure. Advocate Legalization with Tight Regulations.

No matter what statistic it is that's examined, be it the kidnapping ranking of Phoenix, shootings in El Paso, marijuana arrests in Brownsville or the number of new gang members in San Diego, the reality of today's America is that drug violence has become a pervasive and pressing threat to most citizens. "We have got to fix this problem, or else it's going to get a lot worse for us here at home," explained Terry Nelson. But what does this mean for American citizens? In short: the drug cartels have won, but it doesn't have to be this way.

Nelson, a life-long Republican, said that he believes many conservative lawmakers are beginning to come around to their view of drug policy as counter-productive to the overall goals of the drug war. "They're just waiting for when it becomes politically viable to take action," he said. "I hope that happens. It needs to."

Green Man: As usual, politicians know what that legalization would reduce crime, violence and adolescent drug use but they are too cowardly to lead because they care more about their jobs than Americans. We can look to Portugal for guidance. They decriminalized all drugs 11 years ago in response a failed drug war--not unlike the failed drug war in America. Decriminalization means it's still technically illegal but instead of going to prison, which won't solve the drug addiction, users are sent to treatment facilities.

Upon decriminalization, the crime dried up, violence was reduced and adolescent use has decreased. HIV/AIDS infections related to dirty syringe use dropped by a staggering 75% and the number of drug users held steady. American cities are slowly but surely increasing drug treatment programs instead of prison time where drugs are just as accessible as on the streets. The drug courts are showing promising signs of hope. "Between 4 and 29 percent of drug court participants in the United States will get caught using drugs again, compared with 48 percent of those who go through traditional courts" (link).

The other problem with sending drug addicts to prison is that they mingle with violent offenders and other criminals where they learn to be real criminals. Plus, it increases the prison population, which costs the tax payer more than if they were treated in the drug programs since the recidivism rates from drugs courts are so much lower than with straight imprisonment. I do think, however, that marijuana should be treated as a separate case from the hard drugs like crack, meth and heroin. Marijuana should legalized, taxed and regulated since it isn't physically addictive, doesn't cause overdoses and causes less societal problems than alcohol.

The bottom line is that the war on drugs isn't just failing, it's doing so exponentially and now the violence that we've seen in Mexico is coming here to America. We'll never stop those who want to use drugs but we can take away the criminal element by decriminalization of the hard drugs and legalization of marijuana. We can also ameliorate the health issues surrounding drug use. Plus, we can drastically reduce adolescent rates because they would have to provide identification to buy marijuana. Whereas, right now, they can go to a shady drug dealer who won't ask for identification. A growing number of Americans on the left and right understand the path ahead, but unfortunately America doesn't have "leaders" courageous enough to lead!!!

Stand up and be counted--email your leaders and tell them you want a more progressive drug policy because this current "war on drugs" has been a failure. If the politicians won't lead, then we the people must take charge.

~The Green Man has Spoken~

Coming Out LGBT--You are Not Alone.

Green Man: Wow. I am SO PROUD of this hero, role-model and kind man. I feel less depressed knowing there are still great people like him in the world. I got chills of joy for him and am thankful for his example; because, it is unacceptable that LGBT brothers and sisters are so harassed that they feel suicide is their only option for peace from their torment!! But, there was one thing missing from this video--I wanted to be able to give him a big bear hug at the end!! Doesn't he look like he gives good hugs?!! My heart is radiating with love and acceptance to not only him, but to all those who feel unwanted, abused, misunderstood and rejected--whether because of sexual orientation or for other reasons. The Green Man's grove is a hate-free zone and we will do anything in our power to help those in need. Welcome to our refuge.

On a side note, I honestly thought this little mini-documentary was better than anything coming out of Hollywood or tv these days. It touched me deeply on an emotional level that a video hasn't done in awhile. It was just so refreshing to watch a positive message from society for a change. There is too much hate, selfishness and fear infecting humanity right now and we need good people such as this man more than ever. Please, shared this beautiful video to all that you think would benefit from it. And, if you are an LGBT person who feels isolated, please know that you are never alone.

In your darkest thoughts and moments, picture this man's warm smile (and the big teddy bear hugs his surely gives) wrapping you in the energy of warm acceptance. Hold onto that pure energy because it's the light that will guide you from the darkness. You deserve to be respected, loved and understood--don't let anyone tell your otherwise. So, don't listen to the haters and hold messages like these in your heart because they are the truth--not that fear peddled by those who would belittle you. They don't deserve your fear of them--they tell lies because they fear strong, independent, free thinkers like you.

Let me tell you a secret, they are privately jealous of your courage and individuality. So they seek to insult you in a pitiful attempt to feel better about their miserable lives. They are the sick ones--not you. Don't let them infect you with their toxic words. They will not win--there is an entire army of those who stand with you in the world, and we will stand in the way to protect those who can't protect themselves. Even if you don't know an ally personally, just know that we are out here and one day you will find us. Look upon the moon and know that we are looking at the same moon and reflect in it's proud, bright light to you, our love and acceptance. Never give up, never surrender, because it will get better. Don't stop reaching out and you will find true friends who accept you for all your beautifully diverse life. The internet is a great tool for reaching out. You can find me at: jaymur@gmail.com

~The Green Man Has Spoken~